10 December 2004

Concept design approved for new look Lorne Street

The Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee today adopted the concept design for the $4.5 million revamp of Lorne Street.

The successful High Street look and feel will be extended down Lorne Street to transform the area into an attractive, user-friendly public space. The concept plans aim to ensure better pedestrian access between Queen Street, the Auckland Art Gallery, Central City Library and Albert Park up to the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology.

The chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, says the final concept plans have been revised to take into account the feedback received from key stakeholders and the wider public during consultation in July.

“We listened carefully to the people who will be most affected by this revamp and generally there was a strong feeling of support. When it’s finished it will both look good and be functional by creating a vital link between some of Auckland’s finest art and learning establishments,” says Mrs Sefuiva.

Key revisions made to the final concept plan focused on improving parking, pedestrian facilities, tree planting, pollution and personal safety.

There was a high level of interest in Khartoum Place and a design competition is proposed for any future redevelopment of this unique space.

“Traffic issues were raised during the consultation and we will be investigating these in more detail by taking into account the other major projects happening in the area including the Auckland Art Gallery redevelopment and Central City Library Upgrade,” says Mrs Sefuiva.

The new look for Lorne Street is part of Auckland City's Auckland CBD Into the future strategy to revitalise Auckland's CBD as a premier business and cultural centre.

It is just one of the key projects supporting the council's draft vision for the Aotea Quarter to create the city's arts, culture and entertainment hub while retaining its civic and heritage elements.

Other proposed projects occurring in the area include the Queen Street, Aotea Square and Auckland Art Gallery upgrades.

All work on Lorne Street will be carried out over three years, with $500,000 allocated for construction in 2005.

ENDS

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